(Chelsea Update would like to thank Susan Ringler-Cerniglia for the information in this story.)
The Washtenaw County Health Department had to postpone one full-day COVID-19 vaccination clinic this week (on Jan. 19) and one partial clinic (on Jan. 21 after 11:15 a.m.) due to a lack of available vaccines.
Appointments on Thursday starting at 11:20 a.m. or after will be rescheduled. The Health Department is contacting all individuals who need to be rescheduled directly.
These postponements are necessary because the Health Department is not receiving the anticipated amounts of Pfizer vaccine from the State of Michigan this week.
Appointments originally scheduled for Jan. 19 will be rescheduled for Feb 9 at approximately the same time. Appointments originally scheduled for Jan 21 at 11:20 a.m. or after will be rescheduled for Feb 18.
“This is incredibly difficult for everyone involved,” said Jimena Loveluck, MSW, health officer with Washtenaw County Health Department in a press release.
“We are working as hard as we possibly can to vaccinate eligible individuals as quickly as possible,” she said.
Washtenaw County Health Department did not receive the anticipated number of Pfizer doses, but Washtenaw and other health departments were provided additional Moderna vaccine doses. The Moderna vaccine, however, must be handled differently, and Health Department clinics are not currently set up to administer the Moderna vaccine.
The Health Department is coordinating with local providers who can use Moderna to vaccinate those 65 years and older immediately.
Area health care providers are contacting their patients 65 years and older as they have appointments available. Please do not call. Check your patient portal, their websites, or wait to hear from your provider:
Please remember vaccine supplies are limited everywhere. All eligible individuals cannot currently be scheduled for vaccination.
If you do not have a primary health care provider in one of these health systems, or if you are eligible because of your employment, the Health Department has an individual vaccine appointment request survey.
The request survey puts you in line for vaccination appointment, and you will be contacted when one becomes available. Please know it may be several weeks before you are contacted with an available appointment. Appointments will be filled by randomly selecting from among eligible individuals; information about underlying health conditions is not collected or used at this time.
The Health Department is currently vaccinating health care providers in 1A and older adults without one of the above primary health care providers. A few designated essential workers, such as first responders, are also being scheduled. According to state guidance, most available vaccine (75%) is designated for older adults.
We appreciate everyone’s patience. We know these changes can be confusing, and it can be frustrating to wait. We are working as hard as we can to get as many people vaccinated with the resources we have. Our staff is focused on providing vaccinations, but we are working to answer individual emails and calls as quickly as possible. Responses may be delayed.
Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Health Department COVID-19 Vaccination Website
IHA/St. Joe’s Medical Group IHAcares.com/covid19vaccine
o Michigan vaccine phases & health department locations
o Michigan revised 1B vaccination guidelines
Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community, including responding to health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs. Visit us at washtenaw.org/health or call 734-544-6700.
